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Is PTSD Causing your Addiction?

It’s not uncommon for someone to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of a traumatic event in their life and what’s even more common is a subsequent addiction occurring as a result of a desire to self-medicate to overcome this condition. Is PTSD causing your addiction?

Many people suffer great tragedy that causes a need for treatment but when treatment and psychiatric counseling does not occur, the result can be PTSD that wreaks havoc in an individual’s life. Addiction is often the next stage as the individual takes steps to overcome their pain and struggling by using substances such as drugs or alcohol. Some people simply have a more difficult time dealing with tragedy than others and for some, this tragedy leads to addiction which requires treatment.

What is PTSD?

PTSD can create a variety of problems in a person’s life.

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is the resulting psychological experience that occurs as a result of having witnessed or taken part in a catastrophic event that causes great pain and distress for the victim. People who suffer from PTSD may show the following symptoms following a traumatic event:

memories of the event that intrude the brain and seemingly will not stop or go away
nightmares or flashbacks of the event
becoming emotionally numb or otherwise not wanting to “feel”
avoiding triggers that remind of the trauma and taking great measures to avoid the trauma
lack of joy or happiness even in activities that were previously fun and exciting
diminished hope for the future

Treatment for Addiction & PTSD

If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic event and is showing signs of PTSD, treatment is available. PTSD often causes addiction because the user wants to mask the pain, cover up the nightmares or otherwise not “feel.” Seeking help at a treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis can provide relief for both the PTSD and the addiction or substance abuse disorder. Many people who use substances are not doing so just for fun, they do so to cover up the pain that they have endured in a traumatic event or experience.

We can help you find a treatment center that deals with co-occurring mental health disorders or dual diagnosis such as addiction and PTSD. Call 1-888-885-4616 to speak with a treatment specialist today for help!

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